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Name:
Davis, Michael Edward
Date of Booking:
05/08/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
CHILD MOLESTATION
AGGRAVATED CHILD MOLESTATION
AGGRAVATED CHILD MOLESTATION
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
5/12/26
MICHAEL EDWARD DAVIS FOUND INELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC DEFENDER
What this means: Michael Edward Davis applied for a court-appointed public defender but was determined to be ineligible on May 12, 2026. This typically means the court found that the defendant has sufficient financial resources to hire private legal counsel. Davis would need to retain his own attorney.
5/13/26
FIRST APPEARANCE ORDER ENTERED FOR MICHAEL EDWARD DAVIS
What this means: On May 13, 2026, a first appearance order was entered in Newton County in the case against Michael Edward Davis. A first appearance is typically the earliest court proceeding after an arrest, where a judge informs the defendant of the charges against them, addresses bond, and advises them of their rights.
5/15/26
ATTORNEY ANDRE SMITH ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR MICHAEL EDWARD DAVIS
What this means: On May 15, 2026, attorney Andre Smith filed an Entry of Appearance in Newton Superior Court, formally notifying the court that he is representing Michael Edward Davis in case number SUCR2026000856.
5/15/26
MOTIONS FILED — MOTION FOR BOND AND MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING
What this means: On May 15, 2026, attorney Andre Smith filed two motions in Newton Superior Court on behalf of Michael Edward Davis. A motion for bond asks the court to set or reconsider bond so the defendant may be released while the case proceeds. A motion for a preliminary hearing requests a proceeding where a judge determines whether there is enough evidence to require the defendant to answer the charges in a higher court.
6/3/26
MICHAEL EDWARD DAVIS BOUND OVER TO SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: On June 3, 2026, a court order was entered binding Michael Edward Davis over to Newton Superior Court. This means a lower court found sufficient probable cause to send the case up to the Superior Court, where felony cases are tried in Georgia.
6/26/26
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT — 6 COUNTS FILED AGAINST MICHAEL EDWARD DAVIS
What this means: A Newton County grand jury formally charged Michael Edward Davis with six counts during the April Term, 2026. The indictment, filed in Newton Superior Court under case number 2026CR856-2, was brought by District Attorney Randy McGinley. The alleged offenses are described as occurring between August 26, 2018, and August 26, 2021, with the exception of Count 6, which is alleged to have occurred on or about April 17, 2023 — all in Newton County, Georgia.
Count 1 charges Michael Edward Davis with Rape, alleging he had carnal knowledge of the alleged victim forcibly and against her will, in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-6-1.
Count 2 charges Aggravated Child Molestation, alleging Davis committed an indecent act upon the alleged victim, a child under the age of 16, causing physical injury, in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-6-4(c).
Count 3 charges Aggravated Child Molestation, alleging Davis committed an indecent act upon the alleged victim involving an act of sodomy, in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-6-4(c).
Count 4 charges Aggravated Child Molestation, alleging Davis committed an indecent act upon the alleged victim involving an act of sodomy, in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-6-4(c).
Count 5 charges Child Molestation, alleging Davis committed an indecent act upon the alleged victim, a child under the age of 16, in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-6-4(a).
Count 6 charges Child Molestation, alleging Davis committed an indecent act upon the alleged victim, a child under the age of 16, in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-6-4(a).
An indictment means a grand jury — a panel of citizens — reviewed the State’s evidence and found enough probable cause to formally charge Michael Edward Davis. He is presumed innocent of all charges unless and until proven guilty in court.
7/27/26
NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED — ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED FOR 8/11/26 AT 8:30 AM
What this means: On July 27, 2026, a notice to appear was issued to Michael Edward Davis in Newton Superior Court, scheduling an arraignment for August 11, 2026, at 8:30 AM. An arraignment is a court proceeding where the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea.
8/10/26
MICHAEL EDWARD DAVIS WAIVES ARRAIGNMENT AND ENTERS NOT GUILTY PLEA
What this means: On August 10, 2026, Michael Edward Davis and his counsel waived formal arraignment — meaning they gave up the right to have the charges read aloud in open court — and entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. A motion was also filed by attorney Andre Smith on this date. The court accepted the waiver and acknowledged the pretrial order.
8/11/26
PRETRIAL ORDER ISSUED BY JUDGE JOHN M. OTT
What this means: Senior Judge John M. Ott of the Superior Courts for the State of Georgia signed a Pretrial Order on August 11, 2026, in the case against Michael Edward Davis, case number 2026CR856-2 in Newton Superior Court. The order was filed in the clerk’s office on August 13, 2026, and sets the following schedule for the case:
Discovery requests must be filed and served by August 21, 2026. All discovery materials must be exchanged between the State and the defense by September 4, 2026. All motions must be filed by September 11, 2026, with responsive pleadings due by September 18, 2026. The parties must appear for a status conference on or before October 6, 2026, to inform the court of any remaining issues before a trial date is set. A motion hearing, if needed, is scheduled for October 27, 2026 — and that date is also the final deadline for any negotiated plea agreements to be presented to the court.